Polar Power System Power Meters Reviews

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Which one!
Test bike Velovie 300 with Campy Record

Summary:
I have used this product for some time and have really come to like it!

Strengths:
I wrote my review on this site: so paste the link so I don't have to re-write it!!

http://www.cyclingnewsasia.com/index.php/en/tech/37-general/212-tech-review-the-polar-cs600x

Weaknesses:
Good product, a bit tricky when 'teaching' sensors

Similar Products Used:
Have been a polar user for 10 years so almost every model released for cyclists or multisports including the 725x

Price Paid:  $355.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Amtrak Century

Bike Setup:
Pedal Force road bike

Summary:
Review of CS600 w/Power

Good value for the money. The product is not difficult to install if you're capable of reading instructions. It is somewhat meticulous to install correctly so you cannot just slap it on go to town. I do find it under reports wattage on the larger cogs (17+) due to the distance to the sensor. Also due to a 2-3 second delay in reporting you will not see accurate peak wattage during sprints. It is very good for intervals of 30+ seconds though.

I use it mostly on the trainer. If you input interval sessions into Pro Trainer the unit will guide you thru a workout. I actually stopped using Spinervals because of this feature. I have my Level 4, 5 and 6 interval sessions all pre-programmed and I love it.

If you expect 99% accuracy you will be disappointed. However for that AND wheel flexibility be prepared to pay $2,000 for an SRM or several Powertap hubs.

This unit is certainly acceptable for weekend warriors like myself who are unwilling or unable to pay 3-4 times what the Polar unit costs. I paid $355 for mine after an MS Live rebate. I also sold my previous CS400 for $190 making my net cost $165. I could easily sell the used WIND unit alone on Ebay for $200 which would essentially leave me with the CS600 head unit at a profit. If I decide to sell the entire unit I'll come out ahead $200+.

The new CS600X units have more memory and GPS capability.

Strengths:
- Cost is a fraction of other power meters.
- One of the lightest power systems available.
- One unit can be used with several wheelsets, unlike Powertap.
- Pro Trainer software is quite nice.

Weaknesses:
- Meticulous setup
- clunky looking
- under reports watts in larger cogs
- would be nice if it worked with Cycling Peaks software as well or was ANT+ compatible.

Similar Products Used:
Kurt Kinetic Power Computer

Price Paid:  $300.00

Favorite Ride:
mountains

Bike Setup:
Full carbon road bike, carbon clinchers, ultegra.

Summary:
Product nice in theory as cheap power meter, but in practice a waste of time - simply too fragile and badly designed connections etc to be of use.

Strengths:
If it worked as designed is a cheap power meter; not as accurate as other systems but reasonably repeatable

Weaknesses:
Doesn't work reliably - has worked properly on one ride in over a year. Most of the time it has been at the store being fixed.
Non wireless fixings not reliable.
Standard (reliable - wireless) Polar data is lost while this system is installed.
Heavy.

Similar Products Used:
Polar S625X with cadence & speed sensors

Comments

jaybirdy (03/11/2009)

I'd love to try it if you no longer want it?

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Price Paid:  $300.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
TransAlp

Bike Setup:
Which one?

Summary:
BEWARE! This system does not work consistently. It is not a viable way to track and review your efforts. Inconsistent recording. Downloading is a nightmare.

Strengths:
It has red buttons?

Weaknesses:
Inconsistent recording. Downloading is a nightmare.

Similar Products Used:
Powertap SL and Sl 2.4 wireless, Garmin 305, SRM

Comments

jaybirdy (02/14/2009)

I would love to try it?

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Price Paid:  $300.00 at bikeshop

Favorite Ride:
French cols

Bike Setup:
OCLV carbon Trek, Ultegra 6600 group, Mavic ES wheels.

Summary:
This review is for the first generation power sensor kit which is compatible with the S series heart monitor watch's:

For the money you cannot expect this unit to be perfect..or even as good as an SRM/PT ect. But its consistantly accurate which is the most important thing. It does have issues with accuracy in the higher gear spectrum, but cruising on flats rollers and climbing on long hard terrain on low gears (alpine) it excels and matches the others. No swapping wheels (PT) or cranks (SRM) or numerous hubs needed (PT), and draughting not affected (ibike). It does have its problems though. pretty crappy/weak/clunky/fragile derailleur region, its been back to Polar numerous times and fixed..even replaced fully, but for where I want to measure power the benefits outweigh the negatives overall.
If I had more money (to buy another shed load of wheels and a PT, or an SRM I would) but untill then this will do fine.

Strengths:
-consistent accuracy (upon proper installation)
-great for capturing low gear efforts on long climbs.
-'cheap' modular add on to HRM 4 power!

Weaknesses:
-Fragile system
-peak power way low (1/2 SRM)
-high gears big ring issues w/ accuracy
-clunky design
-wires prone to snag and break if not carefull installation.
-not idiot proof!..not 4 all you joes out there..

Similar Products Used:
none